Bluetooth updated for mesh networking

16 August 2017 Editor's Choice News Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT

A highly anticipated mesh networking standard has been introduced to the Bluetooth specification by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), the body responsible for the technology’s standards.

The mesh networking specifications, as well as the tools required to qualify Bluetooth products with mesh networking support, are now available at the Bluetooth website. Bluetooth mesh networking operates on Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) and is compatible with core specification version 4.0 and higher.

The new mesh capability enables many-to-many (m:m) device communications and is optimised for creating large-scale device networks. It is ideally suited for building automation, sensor networks and other IoT solutions where tens, hundreds or thousands of devices need to reliably and securely communicate with one another. A big draw card for Bluetooth mesh networking is that it can support additional services, such as asset tracking and way finding.

The standard adopts a full-stack approach that defines the low-level radio up to the high-level application layer, ensuring all aspects of the technology are fully specified. The crucial aspect of multi-vendor interoperability will be ensured through testing conducted during the specification development process, not after specification release.

For more information visit bluetooth.com/mesh

Further reading:

20 years of precision, progress and purpose – the Jemstech journey
Jemstech Editor's Choice Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Twenty years ago, Jemstech began as a small, determined venture built on technical excellence and trust. Today, it stands among South Africa’s leading electronic manufacturing service providers.

Read more...

---

A new era in wire bond inspection
Techmet Editor's Choice Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Viscom is developing a 3D wire bond inspection system that incorporates substantially improved sensors, a high image resolution, and fast image data processing.

Read more...

---

Energy harvesting using a battery-less IoT system
NuVision Electronics Editor's Choice Power Electronics / Power Management
Energy Harvesting plays an essential role in the foundation of ambient IoT, a new generation of ultra-low power connected devices that operate by drawing energy from their environment instead of relying on traditional batteries.

Read more...

---

Questing for the quantum AI advantage
Editor's Choice AI & ML
Two quantum experts disclose high hopes and realities for this emerging space.

Read more...

---

From the editor's desk: Progress meets reality
Technews Publishing Editor's Choice
In the first half of 2025, renewable energy, incorporating solar, wind, and to a lesser degree hydropower and bioenergy, has generated more electricity globally than coal did.

Read more...

---

From ER to effortless: The 15-year journey of Seven Labs Technology
Seven Labs Technology Editor's Choice Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
What started as a business likened to an ‘ER’ for electronic components has today grown into a trusted partner delivering kitting services and full turnkey solutions – taking the effort out of electronics and helping customers truly ‘Move to Effortless.’

Read more...

---

The trends driving uptake of IoT Platform as a Service
Trinity IoT Editor's Choice Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
IoT platforms, delivered as a service, are the key that will enable enterprises to leverage a number of growing trends within the IT space, and access a range of benefits that will help them grow their businesses.

Read more...

---

Interlynx-SA: Engineering SA’s digital backbone
Interlynx-SA Editor's Choice
At the heart of the industrial shift towards digitalisation lies the growing demand for telemetry, Industrial IoT (IIoT), advanced networking, and robust data solutions, and Interlynx-SA is meeting this demand.

Read more...

---

Converting high voltages without a transformer
Altron Arrow Editor's Choice Power Electronics / Power Management
With appropriate power converter ICs, such as the LTC7897 from Analog Devices, many applications can be suitably powered without having to use complex and cost-intensive transformers.

Read more...

---

Grinn Global: From design house to SoM innovator
Editor's Choice
From its beginnings as a small electronic design house, Grinn Global has moved into the spotlight as a system-on-module innovator working alongside technology giants like MediaTek.

Read more...

---